College Football is back! Big 12 football starts today with TCU facing off against Minnesota and Oklahoma State playing Central Michigan. With college football on the verge of returning, we've put together the Official Chat Sports 2015 Big 12 Preview.
Conference Order:
Conference Winner:
TCU (12-0, 9-0 Big 12)
TCU won't share the Big 12 title this season. It'll come down to the regular season finale against Baylor, but the Horned Frogs won't have a fourth quarter collapse this time. Oklahoma has the talent to make a run for the title, but a 10-win season seems more likely. Oklahoma State, Texas, West Virginia and Kansas State will all battle for fourth place in the conference. Texas Tech could make a bowl game, while Iowa State's struggles could result in a new head coach next season. Kansas is still Kansas.
Player of the Year:
Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Boykin is the Heisman front-runner for good reason. The dual-threat led the Big 12 in total offense by a sizeable margin last season and should repeat as Offensive Player of the Year. It's the obvious choice, but the right one. If something happens to Boykin, Oklahoma RB Samaje Perine could make a run at the title.
Surprise Team:
Oklahoma State
Baylor and TCU are the favorites, while teams like Oklahoma and Texas can't really be considered "surprises." So, let's go with Oklahoma State. An easy out-of-conference schedule will give them confidence early. QB Mason Rudolph played great last season when he replaced J.W. Walsh. Only a sophomore, big things are expected from Rudolph. The defense has enough talent to get by in the Big 12. The Cowboys might not win the Big 12 this season, but they will have an impact on the top of the standings. Don't be surprised if they upset one of the conference favorites this season.
Playoff Participant:
TCU
The Horned Frogs just missed out on a College Football Playoff berth last season, but they won't miss out this year. With a Heisman-caliber QB and a great coach in Gary Patterson, TCU will make its College Football Playoff debut. The defense could be a problem, but the offense is good enough to help compensate.
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